- Executives Embrace New Media and Technological Change, While Reaffirming the Role of Valuable Content

HONG KONG, Oct 27, 2010 - (ACN Newswire) - The results of a new CASBAA CEO Survey, released today at the Convention 2010, reveal growing optimism within the Asia Pacific pay-TV industry, as well as the increasing impact of technological change.

Conducted by research specialists Synovate, the survey of 100 CEOs shows that 84 percent plan to expand their businesses "within and beyond" their current markets.

HDTV and IPTV services are expected to experience the most growth in the next 12 months - spurred on by mobile entertainment and online video. Despite its current prominence, 3DTV is not expected to have a significant effect on the industry in the near term. Nevertheless, the CEOs recognise they need to be better prepared for the onset of "new media". Close to half recognised that they need to learn more about emerging platforms.

But the optimism is not without caution, with respondents reporting they are particularly wary of the prospect of toughening government restrictions.

"Several of our speakers reiterated the value of trusted news and entertainment brands, as well as seeing continued demand for compelling content that can reach viewers across a multitude of platforms," said Simon Twiston Davies, CEO of CASBAA. "We are seeing new channels and platforms launching across Asia, and the pay-TV industry has exciting convergence opportunities."

Highlights of the packed first day of Convention 2010 included:

- "What's behind the screen" highlighting the impact of digital networks on the Asia Pacific pay-TV market;- "Media on the move" on mobile services that are forecast to cross the three billion mark in Asia by 2013;- "Creativity and the Value Chain" on the enduring role of great content in driving viewership and brands.

Hong Kong Chief Secretary of Administration Henry Tang opened the event, saying the HKSAR had launched a CreateHK programme to support the growth of creative industries supported by a HK$300 million fund. "No doubt, these initiatives will provide even more opportunities for cable and satellite broadcasters to inform, educate and entertain, and above all, promote creativity among audiences in Hong Kong and across Asia."

"CreateHK is well positioned to make an important contribution to the economic development of Hong Kong's creative industries," said Simon Twiston Davies, CEO of CASBAA. "We thank CreateHK for helping to unlock many valuable business opportunities, especially those for pay-TV and its related sectors, for the Asia Pacific region at large."

The Convention 2010 also marked the debut of new CASBAA Patron member MCOT with AORA TV of Indonesia.

MCOT is one of Thailand's national broadcasters including Modernine TV, MCOT radio stations and The Thai News Agency, Panorama Worldwide. AORA is an Indonesian direct broadcast satellite pay-TV company that is operated by PT Karya Megah Adijaya.

Established in 1991, CASBAA is the association for digital multichannel TV, content, platforms, advertising and video delivery across a variety of geographic markets throughout the Asia Pacific. CASBAA's members reach over 500 million connections within a regional footprint ranging from China to Australasia, Japan to Pakistan. For more information, visit www.casbaa.com.